Goldenballs and the Iron Lady: A Little Book of Nicknames

Do you know what your favorite personalities or places are otherwise known as? Who is The Muscles from Brussels? When and why did Bill Clinton become known as The Comeback Kid? Where and what is Tin Pan Alley? And where do all those nicknames like Blondie and Titch come from? All these questions and many more will be answered in this delightfully browsable volume.

Nicknames are a rich and revealing treasure trove of information about the people, places, and institutions they refer to. They can be affectionate, critical, respectful, or downright derogatory.

In Goldenballs and the Iron Lady, readers will find intriguing information in over 800 entries on nicknames for people, places and institutions, as well as generic nicknames such as Shorty. Covering nicknames both past and present, each entry explains the story behind the nickname, making this an intriguing read. Also included are fascinating boxed features outlining the types of nicknames given to criminals, boxers, jazz musicians, as well as the traditions of nicknaming in different parts of the world. A thematic index will allow readers to find nicknames grouped together under headings such as the Wild West and politics. Written in a light and lively style and with cartoons throughout, this new volume is both endlessly browsable and informative.